Football

ISL 2023-24: It was a win-or-die game for us – Staikos Vergetis after win against NorthEast United

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis believes it was a must-win game for them against NorthEast United in the 18th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Thursday. The Shers registered a 1-0 win against the Highlanders to claim three crucial points.

After a goalless first half, Wilmar Jordan scored through a penalty in the 63rd minute to give a decisive lead to his team.

“I believe it was the type of game where the deciding factor was which team could score the goal to be the winner. We succeeded in scoring the goal, and we took one important victory,” Vergetis shared in the post-match press conference.

The Greek manager lauded his players for giving their best on the pitch and doing a fine job.

“Today, we played a game that was a win-or-die situation for us; even though I tried not to convey full anxiety to them (the players), but I think they had.”

Punjab FC had 48% possession and took three shots on target against the opposition.

While quizzed about his players’ performance, Vergetis explained,“Regarding our performance, I would like our team to keep more possession in our favour.”

“We were losing the ball easily in some periods of the game. This created problems for us because it forced us into defensive roles most of the time. We could have been calmer on the ball. It was due to the tiredness of the players who had been playing consecutive games,” he continued.

Staikos asked his forwards to play closely together and leave Talal on the sides to widen the gap but feels the plan didn’t work properly.

“We instructed our two forwards to play closely together and leave Talal on the sides to create superiorities and receive balls out wide. I don’t think it worked well.”

“We attempted to free up Talal from the central space because, upon analyzing him (Talal), opponents had figured out how to confront him. However, I don’t believe our plan worked as effectively as we had hoped,” he concluded.

Punjab FC will next take on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024